How to Cite a Speech in MLA Format

Understanding Speech Citations in MLA

Speeches, lectures, and presentations are valuable sources for research and academic writing. Whether citing a speech you attended live, accessed through a video platform, or found in a published collection, MLA format provides clear guidance. Proper speech citations give credit to speakers and help readers locate the original content.

Basic Speech Citation Format

The standard MLA format for speeches includes: Speaker Last Name, First Name. “Speech Title.” Event Name, Date, Location.

This basic format works for speeches you attend or find referenced in academic sources. Additional information like platform or publisher details may be needed depending on the source type.

In-Person Speech Citation

When citing a speech you attended:

Smith, John. “Climate Change and Innovation.” Environmental Leadership Summit, 15 March 2024, Convention Center, Chicago.

Published Speech Citation

For speeches found in printed collections or publications:

Johnson, Maria. “The Future of Technology.” Great Speeches of Our Time, edited by Robert Davis, Academic Press, 2023, pp. 145-167.

When citing a speech from a book, include the editor, publication year, publisher, and page numbers.

Recorded Speech Citation

For speeches accessed through video platforms:

Williams, David. “Leadership in Crisis.” YouTube, uploaded by TED Talks, 12 Feb. 2024, youtu.be/example.

Include the platform name, who uploaded or posted it, the date, and the complete URL.

Online Speech or Virtual Lecture

For speeches delivered online or accessed through streaming platforms:

Rodriguez, Maria. “Environmental Policy Updates.” Webinar, hosted by Environmental Action Network, 20 March 2024, www.enviroactionnetwork.org/webinars.

Speech from a Conference

When citing a speech from an academic conference:

Taylor, Robert. “Quantum Computing Applications.” Conference on Advanced Computing, 8 June 2023, University of California, San Diego.

Published Transcripts

If citing a speech transcript:

Brown, Susan. “Keynote Address.” Conference Proceedings, vol. 5, 2023, pp. 78-92.

For online transcripts:

Anderson, James. “Technology and Society.” Policy Institute, 25 Feb. 2024, www.policyinstitute.org/speeches/speech-transcript.

In-Text Citations

For in-text citations, use the speaker’s last name or the speech title in quotation marks:

(Smith) for a general reference, or (Smith 12:45) if citing a specific time from a recorded speech.

For direct quotations: (Smith 8:30) indicating minutes and seconds from the video.

Examples for Different Speech Types

TED Talk Citation

Martinez, Ana. “How to Change Your Perspective.” TED, Nov. 2023, www.ted.com/talks.

Academic Lecture

Professor Chen, David. “Molecular Biology Advances.” Lecture, University of Massachusetts, 18 March 2024.

Government Speech

Biden, Joe. “State of the Union Address.” The White House, 27 Feb. 2024, www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room.

Corporate Presentation

Thompson, Executive Vice President. “Q1 Financial Results.” Investor Conference, 14 April 2024, Chicago Marriott.

Using GenText for Speech Citations

GenText simplifies speech citation by organizing speaker information, event details, and access methods. The tool automatically generates properly formatted MLA citations and ensures consistency across your document.

Reference List Organization

Arrange speech citations alphabetically by speaker’s last name in your works cited page. Use hanging indent formatting consistent with other MLA entries.

Common Citation Mistakes

• Incorrect title formatting: Speech titles should be in quotation marks, not italicized.
• Missing location information: Include where the speech was delivered (city and venue).
• Incomplete URLs: Provide the full, functional URL for online speeches.
• Inconsistent date formatting: Use Day Month Year format (15 March 2024).

Citing Multiple Speeches by Same Speaker

When citing several speeches by the same person, arrange them chronologically in your works cited page. Readers can differentiate by title and date.

By following MLA guidelines for speech citations, you properly acknowledge speakers’ contributions and make it easy for readers to access the original presentations.